There is now just a week before we count up the votes from schools around the country - and announce the winners on live TV.

In the meantime, we're going to let you into seven secrets about the books on the shortlist.

But shhh! Keep them between yourselves!

1. Some people get stung by insects for a living

During FactFeed research, writer Penelope Arlon discovered a man called Justin Schmidt. This crazy entomologist allowed insects to sting him, to work out which was the most painful.

She told us: 'He described the sensations so beautifully that I felt compelled to contact him to ask him if I could include them word for word. He was delighted and confirmed that the bullet ant sting was indeed "like fire-walking over flaming charcoal with a 3-inch nail in your heel". Ouch!'

2. Squirrels can be spies in Iran

A few facts didn't make the The Epic Book of Epicness. Adam only had 112 pages, so there wasn't space for everything. For example, did you know that 14 squirrels were arrested for spying in Iran, in 2007? The government said they were carrying listening devices.

Or that there's a pianist called Lubomyr Melnyk, who once played 19 notes on his piano in ONE SECOND?

3. There's a word you can spell almost any way you want

The word 'pzazz' appears on page 35 of The Silly Book of Weird and Wacky Words. It's one of Andy Seed's favourite words (it means 'sparkle and style'), but it has four acceptable spellings. Yes, FOUR.

So, if you ever get it in a spelling test, you'll be right if you put pizazz, pizzazz, pazazz or pzazz. Andy chose the last one because it's the only word which starts with 'pz'!

4. You are a better swimmer than Lara Williamson

She says: 'When I look into the water, I always imagine diving in - but then I remember I can't swim and I might just drown, and then I tell myself to step away from the edge. In the book, I used my thoughts and feelings about water in a scene with Billy. One day I really must learn to swim.'